Railcars played a significant role in Black history, particularly during the era of segregation in the United States. The segregation of railcars, known as "Jim Crow" laws, mandated the segregation of Blacks and whites in public spaces, including on trains.

This led to the infamous practice of "separate but equal" facilities for Black passengers, which were anything but equal. Black passengers were forced to sit in segregated, often inferior, railcars with limited amenities and accommodations compared to those reserved for white passengers.

The fight against segregated railcars played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. One of the most famous incidents in this struggle was the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat to a white person on a segregated bus. This event ultimately led to the desegregation of buses and later other forms of public transportation, including railcars.

The desegregation of railcars was a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement and marked a crucial step towards dismantling segregation policies in the United States. Today, railcars serve as a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in Black history.